lock 1 of 2

as in certainty
one that is certain to succeed the governor is regarded as a lock for his party's presidential nomination

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lock

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lock
Noun
At 5ft 11in (180cm), Kerkez is not the tallest full-back but still has the requisite height and strength to improve his defending and lock off the back post when meeting crosses. Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
The effect was almost instantaneous, like turning a key in a lock. Sean Williams, Outside, 27 Oct. 2025 Workers excavated parts of the route with explosives and built locks and aqueducts along 363 miles of canal. JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lock
Noun
  • Markets continued to price in a near certainty for a Fed rate cut next week, and upped the odds for another in December, with just a 4% probability the central bank won't ease two more times before the end of the year, according to the CME Group's FedWatch.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Her certainty falters as the light from the mothership dims, the last traces of the hive connection dying above them.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • A lot of people in his position might have let persona take over when the audience is sort of latching onto that image.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In this system, microbes interact with iron minerals, producing tiny iron nanoparticles that latch onto pollutants.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The foot straps wrapped around the heels of the shoes, while leaving the front of her ankle exposed, which Harvey decorated with an elegant diamond ankle bracelet.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The 45th Hawai’i International Film Festival wrapped its awards ceremony with a reception at the Halekulani Hotel, distributing $58,000 in prizes across categories celebrating international cinema, Pacific Island storytelling and homegrown Hawai’i talent.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An honest slam dunk in the lip category.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
  • From gumbo to Mardi Gras wings, kicking up your game-day menu with a little spice is a slam dunk.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, Roundhill shut its meme ETF down at one point because of lack of interest.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Varinder Singh, co-owner of Bill the Butcher, says the store has seen an increase in meat and grocery sales since the Pick ‘n Save across the street shut its doors.
    April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But on closer inspection, modern details emerge—the flush sundeck a top the boat, curved windows on the main deck and helm area, and, almost impossibly, a fold-out beach club at the stern.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Both outlets also reported that Duffy may seek to fold NASA into the Department of Transportation, an agency also led by the former lumberjack and reality TV star.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • San Juan Hills bolted to a 6-0 lead in the third set and, with Hodges scoring on kills and blocks, went on to its 25-11 win to go ahead in sets 2-1.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston recently predicted Bregman would betray the Red Sox and bolt for a deal with the Detroit Tigers this winter.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the vein of Jim Ford and Tony Joe White, East’s voice is fully formed here, twining country rootstock with soul and gospel so tightly that the traditions feel inseparable, and rightly so.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • At his best, McCann does an assiduous, subtle job of twining his metaphors through everyday life.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lock. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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